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Not Guilty – “Resisting War Crimes Is Not A Crime” – Its Official

On the 30th of June and the 2 July 2010 the defendants in the edo decommissioners case were found Not Guilty. Five by unanimous verdicts of the Jury and two later by direction of the judge. The group, admitted they broke into the plant and sabotaged equipment, causing damage estimated at about £200,000.

But during their four – week trial at Hove Crown Court the activists said they were legally justified in breaking into the factory because they believe EDO/ITT are breaking export rules by selling military equipment to Israel, which they believed would be used to commit war crimes in the occupied territories of Palestine.

A decommissioners said “We made our case very clear and 12 normal people from Sussex heard that case and agreed unanimously that we’d done nothing wrong. We did around £200,000 of damage and we’ve never denied that. We did what we believed was necessary and the jury agreed.”

Caroline Lucas said:‘I am absolutely delighted that the jury has recognised that the actions of the decommissioners were a legitimate response to the atrocities being committed in Gaza. I do not advocate non violent direct action lightly; however in this situation it is clear that the decommissioners had exhausted all democratic avenues and, crucially, that their actions were driven by the responsibility to prevent further suffering in Gaza.’

Noam Chomsky said ‘I would like to express my respect and admiration for those who are undertaking non-violent resistance to oppose British participation in Israel’s cruel crimes in Gaza.’

The trial followed just a few days after 9 people who attempted to decommission Raytheon in Derry during Israel’s 2009 assault on Gaza were also acquitted by a jury.

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18 Responses to “Not Guilty – “Resisting War Crimes Is Not A Crime” – Its Official”

T Venkatsaid

Red Salute to our comrades, we are with you. how many ever may be incarcerated, tortured and denied their rights, but our fights for a profit free, arms free, just and equal world will never be defeated. We stand proud today in remembrance of the great sacrifices of our fellow comrades.

Dharmesh Shahsaid

This is Dharmesh Shah from Chennai, India. I learnt about your fabulous action for peace through a friend. It is really encouraging to know that people like you with guts to do things for what they believe in do exist. Its ironic that demanding peace can get you into trouble but then my surprise dies out when I look into my backyard, India where the state has unleashed armed violence and terror on its own people in the name of development.

However, all I would like to say is our good wishes are with you. Even though they have imprisoned you, your thoughts are free and reaching all of us and inspiring us to do what we do.

George Coombssaid

It is, of course perfectly true to say that ‘Resisting war crimes is not a crime.’The valiant people on trial in Hove Court today have shown courage and boldness in opposing the supply of arms and components to Israel as its pursues its policies of terror and barbarism against the people of Gaza. I was only to pleased and privileged to stand beside the peaceful demonstrators
outside Hove Crown Court recently; I live nearby and it was good to be there and I will be giving full support in the future. Courage and solidarity to all
George Coombs

Naomisaid

Many congratulations to all involved with the successful decommissioning action and the legal follow-up. You have done a great service for everyone involved in combatting dealers in death in Palestine-Israel and around the world.

Jokarussaid

congratulationr for what you did!
It is so surprising that such weapon lobby wasn’t protected by the brit governement.
Such event tells us that everything is possible!
Let us keep on going our own struggle!
We have the number with us so we must succeed.

glenn rosesaid

Times when undergoing this kind of business as a matter of principle makes us/me feel somewhat inadequate … indeed, congratulations. And a small glimmer of hope that it is, indeed, possible to make a point through facing (out)due process of law, in trial by jury. BUT – this hasn’t exactly been headline news, has it? Nothing in tabloids, not even in Grauniad, and as far as I know, not on BBC. How does one get this extraordinarily important case into the news proper? It’s getting the message over to those who are not looking for it that makes what should be its proper impact …